Hearing loss frequently goes unnoticed because it can happen so gradually that the individual can be in denial. Without realizing it, they often stop socializing with family, friends, and in social settings because communicating becomes too much of a struggle to understand what is being said. Here are some common signs of hearing loss:
speaking louder than necessary in conversation
constantly asking for words to be repeated
straining to hear
misunderstanding conversations, especially in noisy situations
favouring one ear
thinking that people always mumble
turning the television or radio up louder than usual
having difficulty hearing on the telephone
withdrawing from social contacts
ringing or buzzing in one or both ears
appearing dull and disinterested, slow to respond, or just not appearing “quite with it”
